Christmas Tree Lighting On the Ellipse (20081205)

This was a fun day with Kiera.  Rebbecca had obtained seating tickets for us and all we had to do was show up for the annual tradition on the Ellipse which was being held on December 5. 

(Of note is that when I was a youngster the Ellipse was set up for baseball with about 4 or 5 ballfields where the local colleges and others could play and where anyone could wander out and watch.  Mom might take me down to the Ellipse area where we would park and wait for Dad to meet us from work during which wait we'd watch a ballgame.  In the Fall you'd still see baseball but there would be footballs thrown around as well.  The Ellipse was not necessarily on Truman's route when he would take his "constitutional" but noone would have been surprised to see Truman walk past with his quick pace.  The only threat to Truman then (although there was an attack by a couple of Puerto Ricans who were staged at what was then a drugstore at the SW corner of PA and 17th streets and who failed in their targeting of Truman when he was in the area of the Blair House) were the press who tried to keep up with him in his walks.  Nevertheless, today there is a permanent Christmas tree on the north end of the Ellipse and there are strict restrictions on where you can and cannot walk.  Baseball  ... well not like it was before).

We arrived in plenty of time and the weather was relatively mild.  There was a threat for rain and we (KES) dressed accordingly.  The pics belie the chilly weather we had been experiencing but pansies seem to be hardy downtown.

KES needed some hair adjustment when we met Rebbecca but then it was off to our seats.

Once in the seating area there was entertainment to help pass the time and  between jugglers and carolers the time passed quickly.

We were greeted by the dignitaries and, of course, our President and the First Lady.  The speeches were of the right length, the entertainment truly that and

  

the tree was magnificent.  A glorious evening and introduction to the Advent season.

During the program it turned colder, largely due to a brisk wind, and we headed back to the parking garage for our car in anticipation of the rain we sensed was coming.  In fact, only about 25 yards from the garage the rain began.  The evening was superb and our timing faultless. 

#40

Can't pass November 30 without a comment.  Another wonderful day with family in celebrating "Our Anniversary."  Following church we were treated by Aaron to omelets which were probably the best in preparation and taste I can recall ... and that says something.  He was up against "Steve, the Horse Thief" and Wackerbarth's "Dust Mop" special.  Talking of the Wackerbarths - we would have enjoyed more of the Kringle but for it having been "polished off'" early Thanksgiving Day.  Was a wonderful day again with family topped off by a sumptuous beef loin dinner at home with all that night.  Thanks kids.

Thanksgiving Day 2008

It's been a while and really without an excuse.  I need to develop better habits in writing.  In any event, Thanksgiving was a busy and wonderful day.  Everyone was here and everyone was healthy.  The morning dawned brisk and sunny.  In fact, the morning sun gave the opportunity to catch the last bit of leaf color available.  Most of the leaves are down (save the oak and a few stragglers) and have been taken away by the City to who knows where ... perhaps a mulch pile for the future?

The morning began particularly early for Aaron, Rebbecca, and Kiera who completed their "2nd Annual Turkey Trot" over a 3 mile measured course.   Sometimes running is helped by a "helping hand."

Kiera liked the one showing both of her feet off the ground at the same time.  The stroller suggests that both of the feet may have been off the ground before the photographer arrived.

When finished, there was no panting from the runners although the photographer was breathing a little heavier since it was time to "run" to Dulles to collect Amy. 

 

Aaron helped with the fire 

and the table was readied by Sheila, including

edible decorations (not to include candles and wicker).

While others rested there was one who was thinking ahead to Christmas and red and green decorations to replace those of brown and gold.

Was a wonderful day with family and a wonderful weekend followed.  Next visit will be the National  Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.